Rays deliver knockout blow to Indians

12:14 AM,
Oct. 3, 2013

Cleveland manager Terry Francona, back, argues a foul tip for an out with home plate umpire Gerry Davis as first baseman Nick Swisher looks on during the first inning of Wednesday's American League wild-card game.

Written by

Paul White
USA Today

The city changes almost daily, but the Tampa Bay Rays are playing the same game everywhere, one that establishes them as a legitimate threat to the American League's three division winners in this year's playoffs.

Next stop Boston after the Rays used their trademark pitching and defense to stifle the Cleveland Indians and another raucous, hostile playoff crowd 4-0 in Wednesday's wild-card game.

"We pitch well, we play defense well," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Anytime you can pitch and play defense, you have a shot in a short series. There's no other way around it." ...